UgandaSomalia Prepares for El Nino Floods
The Somali Disaster Management Agency has announced the country has entered the Deyr rainy season, with heavy rainfall expected across several regions. Teams have been deployed to raise awareness and prepare communities for potential flooding.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) is strengthening early warning and evacuation measures ahead of potential heavy rains and flooding linked to El Nino. SoDMA Chairman Mahamuud Moallim Abdulle said teams have been deployed across the country to raise awareness and prepare communities.
Abdulle said the agency has sent staff to areas the government can reach, and he personally visited several locations, including Baidoa and Beledweyne, to meet communities and oversee preparedness. SoDMA is using media outlets to disseminate information and has engaged religious scholars to deliver warnings through mosques.
The agency has worked with Hormuud to prepare millions of voice alerts for vulnerable areas. Abdulle said the main challenge is no longer delivering information but ensuring supplies are available for assistance and emergency response.
Somalia approved a national El Nino preparedness plan for 2026-2027 in September, focusing on early warning, risk monitoring, and measures to reduce flood impacts. SoDMA says it has identified evacuation sites and is pre-positioning relief supplies in vulnerable areas.
The Somali Red Crescent Society is training 72 participants, including 60 local community volunteers, to respond during flood emergencies. The training is being held in flood-prone areas, including Bardere, Jowhar, Beletweyne, and Kismayo.
The Shabelle River has breached its banks at 366 critical locations, raising fears of flooding as heavy rains and El Nino conditions are expected. SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moallim Abdulle said the condition of the river and years of neglect had increased the risk of flooding, particularly for communities living near the river.
The United Nations is supporting Somalia's preparedness efforts, with the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, meeting with SoDMA Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim to discuss the humanitarian situation and preparedness for the impacts of Super El Nino.
Key facts
- Somalia has entered the Deyr rainy season, with heavy rainfall expected across several regions.
- The Somali Disaster Management Agency has deployed teams to raise awareness and prepare communities for potential flooding.
- The Shabelle River has breached its banks at 366 critical locations, raising fears of flooding.
- Somalia approved a national El Nino preparedness plan for 2026-2027 in September.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The situation in Somalia is being closely monitored as the country prepares for potential flooding. The government and humanitarian agencies are working together to raise awareness and prepare communities. The effectiveness of these efforts will depend on the severity of the flooding and the availability of resources.
Positive
The Somali government and humanitarian agencies are taking proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding, which could help reduce the impact of the disaster. The deployment of teams to raise awareness and prepare communities is a positive development. The training of local community volunteers by the Somali Red Crescent Society is also a constructive effort.
Negative
The breach of the Shabelle River at 366 critical locations is a major concern, and the risk of flooding is high. The years of neglect of the river's maintenance have increased the risk of flooding, which could have devastating consequences for communities living near the river. The availability of resources for assistance and emergency response is also a challenge.
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